Pete McMartin: The Portland Hotel Society -- Oh. My. God.

There’s just so much that jumps out at you that’s egregious, hilariously improbable and, in the context of a social welfare agency the efforts of which should be entirely concentrated on the poor and marginalized, obscene.

Almost $9,000 in limousine charges. In one year.

Stays at the best hotel rooms — some of them approaching $900 a night — in Paris, Istanbul, Ottawa, Vienna, Los Angeles, New York City. (Personally, I can’t afford to stay at the Plaza.)

When we go out into the community we serve, we are able to meet our patients on their home turf. These visits bring clarity to the needs of the people we care for. We are reminded that, like the sisters before us with their commitment to practical charity and compassionate care, we are here to meet the needs of those who are vulnerable and marginalized.”